In these times of economic hardship, the Palisades Emergency Residence Corporation (PERC) is asking folks to search their hearts, lend their hands, and reach into their pockets, as it continues to try and help the needy of the Hudson County area.

Oktoberfest on 10/22

PERC is holding its annual Oktoberfest on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m., at 90 Park (formerly Antonia’s by the Park), 9011 Palisade Ave., North Bergen, and they are hoping that many will support the event. Tickets are $50, and include beer, wine, and light fare. Tickets may be bought online at www.percshelter.org, by email at patricia@percshelter.org, or by phone by calling Community Relations Manager Patricia Belenski at (201) 351-5243. Reservations are required.

Those who attend will join the organization in honoring Meals with a Mission and PERC volunteer Diane Cappelluti. They will also get to meet new executive director, Carol Mori.

PERC runs a homeless shelter based in Union City and also helps fund a Kids Homework Club to help children in area low-income families get help with schoolwork during the school year. For these families, the programs are free.

PERC’s mission

PERC is a nonprofit organization based in Union City that offers emergency shelter to individuals and families, a soup kitchen, a food pantry, permanent housing for chronically homeless individuals, and other community services.

In 2012, PERC provided nearly 20,000 nights of shelter to men, women, and families; more than 80,000 meals through their soup kitchen, and groceries for 12,000 people through its weekly food pantry.

PERC, originally a collection of Hudson County churches banding together to help the needy, celebrated its 32nd anniversary on Aug. 1.

How you can help

Those interested in assisting the organization’s mission can do so by making a contribution. They can go to the group’s website, www.percshelter.org. All money raised will go directly toward PERC’s mission to provide food, shelter, and services for low-income families.

They can also volunteer, by calling the office at (201) 348-8150. Even with 7,000 volunteer hours, PERC could use more. Serving dinner and working at the food pantry are among the options.

Other ways to reach PERC are by email, info@percshelter.org, or in person, 108 36th St., Union City, NJ 07087.